No-deal Brexit could see millions of tonnes of waste 'stranded' in the UK, House of Lords committee warns

Millions of tonnes of waste could be left ‘stranded’ in the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit, a House of Lords committee has warned.

In a letter to Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Lord Teverson, Chair of the European Union Energy and Environment Sub-Committee, raised the issue of waste exports as one of five areas of concern if Brexit negotiations result in a no-deal scenario.

The situation could lead to 1.8m tonnes of waste ‘stranded’ in the UK, he warned.

The letter, which also addresses possible impacts on animal exports and fishing quotas, said no-deal guidance from Defra (the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) had explained that currently approvals to ship waste from the UK to the EU would no longer be valid, and exporters would need to go through a re-approval process.

“The waste industry is understandably worried that, if they cannot begin this process until after the UK leaves the EU, there could be a considerable hiatus in waste exports,” it said.

“They have told us the process typically takes 3-6 months; if all exporters were applying at the same time, it could take longer.

“They also told us that a six month interruption to the supply chain would result in 1.8m tonnes of waste stranded in the UK.”

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The letter went on to say that Mr Gove had told the committee that everything was “subject to negotations” and asked whether officials have sought any agreement on whether waste exporters can apply for the right status before the UK leaves the EU.

“Has there been any indication of a ‘fast track’ process, akin to the one you mentioned for animal exports?,” Lord Teverson added. “What contingency is in place to deal with waste that could become ‘stranded’ in the UK?”

Defra has reportedly said that while it is confident a “mutually advantageous deal” can be reached with the EU, it is its duty to prepare for potential outcomes of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

It said: “Defra is working hard to carry out extensive preparations to make sure environmental, welfare and biosecurity standards will continue to be met in a way that supports trade and the smooth flow of goods.”